Apple rumors - page 3

Apple Watch sales ban … how did this happen?!? [The CultCast]

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Apple Watch banned - The CultCast episode 626
We honestly never thought this day would come. What's next for Apple Watch?
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: You maniacs! You blew it up! A patent dispute nukes Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra from Apple’s website. And by Christmas, the smartwatches will disappear from Apple Store shelves in the United States.

Who knew it would come to this? And what’s next for Apple Watch in this long legal battle?

Also on The CultCast:

  • There’s more bad news for Apple Watch fans. A redesign might render your Apple Watch band collection obsolete!
  • Two luxury automakers show off next-gen CarPlay interfaces, and they look awesome.
  • We’ve got more picks for the best stuff of 2023.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Apple readies AirPods 4 with noise cancellation, plans AirPods Max update

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AirPods 4 are coming in 2024
Expect to see two versions of AirPods 4 -- including one with noise canceling -- in 2024.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple will revamp its AirPods lineup in 2024 in an effort to boost sales and clarify offerings, a new report indicates.

AirPods 4 should arrive next year, with two versions replacing current lower-priced earbuds models. And AirPods Max will receive some long-awaited updates, although the pricey over-ear headphones won’t get a major revamp.

2024 Apple Watch could pack two major new health features

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Apple Watch Series 9 with Mulberry Sport Band on desk
2024 Apple Watch might pack some big upgrades.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly plans to launch a redesigned Apple Watch next year capable of detecting hypertension and sleep apnea.

Like the temperature sensor on recent Apple Watches, the next-gen model won’t provide exact blood pressure readings. Instead, it will only show if the blood pressure is elevated compared to the baseline reading. If the watch detects hypertension (or sleep apnea), it might recommend a doctor’s visit.

2024 will bring major upgrades to iPads and Macs [The CultCast]

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iPad-upgrades-2024-CultCast-episode 624
The best tablets in the world are about to get even better.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The latest Apple rumors point to a jumbo iPad Air and even-better (and pricier) iPad Pros landing in early 2024. Plus, Apple’s powerful M3 chip reportedly will come to more Macs.

We run down what it all means. Brace yourself for performance!

Also on The CultCast:

  • Cool new features coming to next-gen iPhones will make Apple’s world-beating smartphone even better. We’re especially excited about a turbocharged Action button.
  • Government spying on push notifications is definitely a thing.
  • Installment number one of our “best of 2023” picks. These fabulous things made us quiver with joy this year.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

iPhone 16’s superior microphones could help deliver better AI-powered Siri experience

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Apple’s AI-driven voice-controlled digital assistant Siri
But these improvements will come at a price.
Image: Apple

Apple reportedly plans to use upgraded microphones on the iPhone 16 series for a better Siri experience. The new mics might feature a better signal-to-noise ratio and improved water resistance.

The improved hardware likely would boost manufacturing costs for Apple. But a better Siri — fortified with artificial intelligence — could gives Apple’s reputation a boost when it comes to AI.

MacBook Air gets speedy M3 chip in spring 2024

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M2 MacBook Air comes i 13-inch and 15-inch versions
Both the MacBook Air in 13-inch and 15-inch versions are expected to get the Apple M3 chip soon.
Photo: Apple

The Apple M3 processor will make its way to the MacBook Air line in March 2024, according to a trusted source of insider info. Both the 13-inch and 15-inch versions of the laptop will receive the chip upgrade.

The M3 made its debut in refreshed MacBook Pro and iMac models in October.

Entire iPhone 16 lineup could feature force-sensitive Action button

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Closeup of iPhone 15’s new Action button.
iPhone 16's Action button could benefit from force-detection capabilities.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly will bring the iPhone 15 Pro’s Action button to the entire iPhone 16 lineup next year. It will seemingly be a capacitive button and pack a lot of additional functionality.

The new rumor indicates the iPhone 16’s Action button will use a force sensor, allowing it to detect changes in pressure.

Who will lead Apple when Tim Cook steps down? [The CultCast]

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Who will take over when Tim Cook finally steps down as Apple CEO? Apparently, he has some ideas.
Who will take over when Tim Cook finally steps down as Apple CEO? Apparently, he has some ideas.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Tim Cook recently said Apple has “very detailed” succession plans for when he eventually steps down as CEO. Plus, the company definitely plans to hire from within. That got us thinking … who’s next in Apple’s game of thrones?

Also on The CultCast:

  • OLED screens might come to iPad Air and iPad mini somewhat soonish.
  • Europe’s busybody technocrats have some more grand plans for Apple and other manufacturers. We’ve got mixed emotions.
  • Sonos reportedly wants to take on Apple TV and AirPods Max with rival products.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Leak shows iPhone 16 Pro’s battery with a metal shell

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iPhone 16 Pro rendered image
iPhone 16 Pro's battery could use a metal backplate.
Graphic: Rajesh

If leaked images prove correct, Apple will adopt a new design for the iPhone 16 Pro’s battery featuring a metal shell on top. This could help with heat dissipation.

Like current iPhones, the purported iPhone 16 Pro battery has an L-shaped design. However, it has a capacity of 3,355mAh. For comparison, the iPhone 15 Pro uses a 3,274mAh capacity cell.

12.9-inch iPad Air could launch in early 2024

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iPad Air and iPad Pro
A 12.9-inch iPad Air could join the 12.9-inch iPad Pro in 2024.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple could overhaul its tablet lineup in 2024, delivering the first 12.9-inch iPad Air and upgrading iPad Pro models to OLED displays and the company’s fast new M3 chip.

The upgrades could help boost iPad shipments to between 52 million and 54 million units in 2024, up from about 50 million in 2023.

Pencil in new iPads for March 2024

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iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad
Multiple new iPads could be just five months away.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Spring 2024 could bring array of new iPad models, according to a reliable Apple tipster. This might include models from the smallest iPad mini to the largest iPad Pro.

Some of the changes will be only a faster processor, but other tablets will supposedly see more dramatic improvements.

Apple could announce new iPads on October 17 [Updated]

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iPad Pro with Apple Pencil
New iPads with faster chips could arrive soon.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple could announce new iPads as soon as Tuesday, according to a new report. The company could unveil a new entry-level iPad, an updated iPad Air and the iPad mini 7.

All refreshed iPads purportedly will sport a minor spec bump but few other changes.

New iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air and iPad Pro models are on the way

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iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad
All of Apple's iPad lines are up for a revamp.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple intends to update the entire iPad lineup in the coming months, according to information leaking out of the company. Details have come to light about models from the smallest iPad mini to the largest iPad Pro.

Included on the list are tablets that haven’t been updated in a couple of years.

Here’s what to expect.

Why we’re loving iPhone 15 Pro and new Apple Watches [The CultCast]

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The CultCast logo, episode 614: A heart!
Hear our first hands-on impressions of iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Photo: Nicola Fioravanti/Unsplash License/Modified by Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: After nearly a week with Apple’s new hardware, we’re serving up our first hands-on impressions. Is the iPhone 15 Pro Max too big — and/or too hot — to handle? Is Apple Watch Ultra 2 worth the upgrade? What about Apple Watch Series 9?

And seriously, Apple … you call that pink?

Also on The CultCast:

  • Griffin runs us through some of the coolest new features in macOS Sonoma.
  • OMG we’ve already got iPhone 16 rumors.
  • And we wrap up with a couple of big fat bummers from our favorite source of Apple insider info and tech haikus.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

iPhone 16 could feature a new capacitive Capture Button

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iPhone 15 in hand
Apple could also switch to a capacitive Action button with the 2024 iPhones.
Screenshot: Apple

Apple reportedly plans to introduce a new capacitive button on next year’s iPhone 16 lineup. Known as the “Capture Button” internally, the button is currently in the testing phase.

With the iPhone 15 Pro, Apple replaced the mute switch with the Action button. It enables additional functionality that was previously not possible.

Today in Apple history: Apple denies Steve Jobs’ love of ninja stars

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Today in Apple history: Apple denies Steve Jobs' love of ninja stars
Jobs apparently tried to take one of these on his private jet.
Photo: SecretNinjaNews

September 14: Today in Apple history: Apple denies Steve Jobs' love of ninja stars September 14, 2010: Security workers reportedly stop Steve Jobs at Japan’s Kansai International Airport. The reason? The Apple CEO supposedly tried to bring ninja throwing stars onto his private plane while heading home from vacation.

It’s one of the most bizarre Jobs stories ever. Apple, however, quickly spoils the internet’s fun. Cupertino issues a statement describing the reports as “pure fiction” (although Apple acknowledges that Jobs visited Japan over the summer).

What to expect from Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 [Updated]

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What to expect from Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2
We already know quite a bit about What to expect from Apple Watch Series 9. And Apple Watch Ultra 2 as well.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Wonderlust 2023

Apple will unveil the next generation of Apple Watch on Tuesday at its Wonderlust event, but you don’t have to wait to find out what the new wearables will offer: Many of the details have leaked out already.

Here’s what we know about Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the next Apple Watch SE.

Why iPhone 15 will be Apple’s cheapest since 2007

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Take an early look at the likely iPhone 15 color options
The "standard" iPhone 15 will cost less, in real world terms, than any predecessor for many years.
Photo: Sonny Dickson/Cult of Mac
Wonderlust 2023

Those ordering an iPhone 15 can do so knowing they’ll pay less for it in real-world cost than for any just-launched Apple flagship handset since the original.

But that doesn’t mean there’s a giant price cut coming. The magic words here are “adjusted for inflation.”

What to expect from the iPhone 15 series: USB-C, titanium and more [Updated]

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What to expect from the redesigned, faster iPhone 15
The iPhone 15 series is only a days away, but you don't have to wait for the details.
Image: Cult of Mac
Wonderlust 2023

Apple will launch the iPhone 15 on September 12 at the Wonderlust event, but you don’t have to wait — leaks have revealed plenty of details already. This year’s models will allegedly be faster in multiple ways, plus there’ll be design changes, including USB-C and the Dynamic Island for everyone.

Here’s everything we’re expected from Apple’s new-for-2023 iPhone lineup.

Apple ‘Wonderlust’ event predictions and last-minute leaks! [The CultCast]

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Apple Wonderlust event predictions on The CultCast episode 611.
Who will rack up the most correct predictions? We'll know Tuesday!
Image: Cult of Mac
Wonderlust 2023

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: We’re putting our million-dollar reputations on the line with predictions for Apple’s upcoming “Wonderlust” event. Who will come out on top when the truth is revealed on September 12? (See Griffin’s scorecard for our picks.)

Also on The CultCast:

  • A last-minute leak gives us a solid look at the camera systems on the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
  • The Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro might get an upgrade that makes it even more MacBook-like.
  • And speaking of MacBooks, will Apple really release a cut-rate laptop to compete with Chromebooks? A MacBook SE sounds plausible …

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

What to expect at the Apple ‘Wonderlust’ event on September 12

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Apple clearly hopes we'll love the iPhone and Apple Watch coming at its September event.
There should be plenty to love at Apple's September 12 event.
Image: Cult of Mac
Wonderlust 2023

Apple’s biggest event of the year is only a few days away. On September 12, Tim Cook and Co. will reveal at least six new Apple products and possibly more.

The event is titled “Wonderlust” — Apple clearly hopes the new iPhone 15 series and fresh Apple Watch models will fill us with an uncontrollable desire to buy.

Can’t wait to find out what’s coming? We don’t blame you. Here’s everything that leaks already revealed about the handsets and wearables on Tuesday’s agenda.